By Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer clash over partygate and tax cuts
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Boris Johnson clashed in today’s PMQs over tax cuts and the first partygate fines being issued.
Sir Keir began his questions, asking if the PM and chancellor are still “tax-cutting Conservatives” following last week’s Spring Statement.
Boris Johnson says he “certainly” thinks so as millions of people are having a “substantial tax cut” thanks to government measures on income tax.
Starmer told the PM to “cut the nonsense and treat the British people with a bit of respect”, claiming there have been 15 tax rises under this chancellor.
Johnson used the nickname of “Captain Hindsight” for Starmer, saying the government is “getting on with reducing the tax burden wherever we can”.
And he called on Labour to support the rise in National Insurance to cover costs in health and social care.
Starmer hit back stating that the tax break set for 2024 is “utterly cynical” as it coincides with the next general election.
He suggested that the tax break is only a tory campaign technique and not for the benefit of the public.
Starmer then turned his attention to the partygate scandal, asking why the prime minister is “still here” after allegedly breaking the ministerial code.
Mr Johnson asked that the police be allowed to get on with their jobs and that the government should get on with theirs.
SNP leader Ian Blackford then took to the floor, stating that the conservatives were “partying through the cost of living crisis” while the public worried about how they would pay their bills this Friday.
He accused the PM of being “out of touch” and urged him to money in the pockets of people now when they need it most.
The PM responded that the government is aiming to help the British people, adding that the living wage is going up by “record amounts.”
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